Examining the Lived Experiences of Parents Raising Children Diagnosed with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Frank Horton
Abstract
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a new diagnosis that has not been extensively researched. There is a lack of research on how raising children diagnosed with DMDD can affect a family. This research was necessary because parents face daily challenges that affect marital relationships, emotional well-being, financial security, social activities, and communication. The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of parents raising children with DMDD and how they manage their marital relationships and maintain their social lives. The framework of this study was the recent version of Bowen’s family system theory. Five participants raising children diagnosed with DMDD were recruited and interviewed via online conferencing. Data were analyzed through coding, verification, thematic saturation, and horizontalization. Results of this study indicated that parents faced significant challenges, including lack of socialization, increased financial burden, and lack of school support and interventions. Parents also described their emotions, moods, coping strategies, and communication changes. Findings can be used for positive social change in helping professionals understand the difficulties parents with children diagnosed with DMDD may face. With this understanding, professionals may be better able to support and provide helpful interventions and strategies to assist these parents.
Recommended Citation
Hutchings, Rosalyn Denise, "Examining the Lived Experiences of Parents Raising Children Diagnosed with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14710.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14710
